Turning Southport's Disaster into a Story of Resilience: A Message from Norman Wallis

I am Norman Wallis from Southport, CEO of Adventure Coast Theme Park, formerly Pleasureland. During the riots, I took it upon myself to call on the Southport community to come together and help clean up the streets affected by the violence. As a community, we have tried to unite through fundraisers and by supporting one another. However, in disasters of this nature, there is a process that unfolds, and the fluctuating emotions and challenges that affect individuals and communities cannot be understated.

The unfortunate knock on effect of Rudakubana slipping through the system has been, and continues to be, disastrous for Southport on many levels. As a local business owner and employer, I am in a position where I receive countless calls from businesses, hotels, retailers, restaurants, councillors, and other stakeholders many of whom, like Patrick Hurley MP and local council officers, are asking what can be done to help Southport recover. The media continues to spotlight the stabbings on local, national, and international platforms. I myself have been approached by major media companies, from GQ Magazine to RTL Germany, and British outlets including BBC, ITV, and Sky.

Southport is on the cusp of complete failure but has the potential for great success a success that could shine a light on how towns across our great nation can rebuild and find hope. Southport holds incredible promise in so many areas, and I have numerous ideas I would love to share with you in the hope that, from this disaster, we can create a rebirth and a successful future for our unique and once great northern town. However, I cannot do this alone. We cannot do this alone. We need your help and support to show that our government and our Prime Minister care about the “working people” of our country. But we must act now.

It is most honourable that our great nation continues to stand as a beacon of hope, compassion, and generosity, supporting other nations in their times of need. However, I must respectfully implore you to turn your attention to the urgent needs within our own borders. Southport, a town teetering between despair and opportunity, is in desperate need of immediate financial support to recover and rebuild. Without swift and decisive intervention, we risk losing not just the heart of our community but a chance to transform this disaster into a story of resilience and success.

I hope you will consider Southport’s plight and the potential we hold to inspire hope in communities across the nation.

Sincerely,

Norman Wallis

CEO, Adventure Coast Theme Park